Zarif in a televised interview on Monday, blaming some countries for "fear-mongering" and “fanning the flames" of sectarian conflict, said that Iran is committed to work with regional countries on the sectarian issue to “contain this threat.”

"Some people have fanned the animosity for short-sighted political interests," Zarif said.

Zarif said that sectarian conflict was "the most serious security threat not only to the region but to the world at large".

He added "I think we need to come to understand that a sectarian divide in the Islamic world is a threat to all of us."

Syria, Iraq and Pakistan are among the countries currently grappling with a surge in sectarian violence.

Since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, sectarian tension between Muslims has worsened.

Around 6,500 civilians have been killed in foreign backed sectarian attacks in Iraq so far this year - a death toll not seen since 2008.

Zarif said all sides should forget their differences over Syria to oppose sectarianism.

"I think all of us... regardless of our differences on Syria, we need to work together on the sectarian issue," he said.

Zarif added "This business of fear-mongering has been a prevalent business.”

"Nobody should try to fan the flames of sectarian violence. We should rein it in, bring it to a close, try to avoid a conflict that would be detrimental to everybody's security."

RA/NJF